It’s been almost two years since Robin Williams died, but his legacy lives on through his daughter, Zelda, and the millions of lives he touched with his laughter and charisma.
On what would have been his 65th birthday on July 21, 2016, Zelda shared an emotional tribute to her dad on Instagram that is heartbreakingly beautiful.
It reads:
Still not really sure what to do on days like today… I know I can’t give you a present anymore, but I guess that means I’ll just have to keep giving them in your name instead. This year, I tried to help three causes you cared about in one; rescue dogs, people suffering from disabilities, and our nation’s wounded veterans, so I donated to freedomservicedogs.org. They rescue pups from shelters and train them so that they can be paired with someone in dire need of their help and companionship. Thought you’d get a kick out of furry, four legged friends helping change the world, one warrior in need at a time. Happy birthday Poppo. Shasha, Zakky, Codeman and I all love you and miss you like crazy. Xo
Though Zelda knows there’s nothing she can do to change her father’s tragic suicide, she has continued to reach out to others through his story by doing good in his name and reminding those suffering that hope that can be found amidst depression.
On the one-year anniversary of his death, she shared these powerful words in an Instagram post:
Moonrise on the lake 🌕 I spent this night shivering and laughing under a clear, cold sky full of stars with people I love just to witness something beautiful. We mooned the moon and laughed ourselves hoarse, and I’m so incredibly grateful for every silly second. I came to a realization this year that I feel compelled to share here, for whomsoever may need it: Avoiding fear, sadness or anger is not the same thing as being happy. I live my sadness every day, but I don’t resent it anymore. Instead, I do it now so that the wonderful moments of joy I do find are not in order to forget, but to inhabit and enjoy for their own sake. It’s not easy. In fact, I’d say it takes much more effort to consciously do than it does to just stay sad, but with all my heart, I cannot tell you how worth it it is. And for those suffering from depression, I know how dark and endless that tunnel can feel, but if happiness seems impossible to find, please hold on to the possibility of hope, faint though it may be. Because I promise you, there’re enough nights under the same yellow moon for all of us to share, no matter how or when you find your way there.
What a beautiful way to instill hope in the hurting by reminding us that light can be found even in darkest tunnels. I pray that Robin’s family may continue to heal through helping others with his story and honoring his legacy.
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